Adult Storytime is the Jesup’s unique presentation of controversial books, where six members of our community will read excerpts from books that have been banned or challenged.  Each book is chosen by its reader.  This is its fifth iteration.  As with children’s bedtime story times, pj’s, robes, and slippers are appropriate attire. Hot cocoa will be available.

 This year’s participants include Mollie Cashwell, Darron Collins, Anna Durand, Jeff Miller, Kyle Shank, and Ruth Eveland. The theme for Banned Books Week 2023 is “Let Freedom Read.”  The American Library Association notes that “Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read and spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. For more than 40 years, the annual event has brought together the entire book community — librarians, teachers, booksellers, publishers, writers, journalists, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

 This year there are more challenges than ever, as documented by the American Library Association and other organizations.  Making books unavailable to potential readers limits their opportunities to learn about people, places, and perspectives beyond their own lives.  For some background, including information about what is going on in Maine, please listen to a program produced by the League of Women Votes – Downeast that was broadcast on WERU:  https://archives.weru.org/democracy-forum/2023/09/democracy-forum-9-15-23-book-banning-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/.  There are also many links to additional information on that webpage.